📘 Physics Syllabus Complete Guide for Students and Aspirants
This Physics syllabus is structured for students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs and those preparing for competitive exams like GATE Physics, IIT JAM, CSIR NET, JEST, and UPSC Physics optional.
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Gate 2026 Physics Engineering Exam Syllabus Breakdown |
The content covers foundational to advanced concepts in simple and expert language with proper topic-wise division.
📌 Section 1: Mathematical Physics
- Vector Calculus: Linear vector space, basis, orthogonality, and completeness
- Matrices: Similarity transformations, diagonalization, eigenvalues and eigenvectors
- Linear differential equations and solutions involving special functions
- Complex analysis: Cauchy-Riemann conditions, Cauchy's theorem, singularities, residue theorem
- Laplace Transform, Fourier Analysis
- Introduction to tensors: Covariant and contravariant tensors
📌 Section 2: Classical Mechanics
- Lagrangian Formulation: D'Alembert's principle, Euler-Lagrange equation, Hamilton's principle
- Symmetry and conservation laws
- Central force motion: Kepler problem, Rutherford scattering
- Small oscillations and normal modes
- Rigid body dynamics: Inertia tensor, Euler angles, torque-free motion
- Hamiltonian mechanics, Liouville’s theorem, Poisson brackets
- Hamilton-Jacobi equation and canonical transformations
- Special Theory of Relativity: Lorentz transformation, mass-energy equivalence
📌 Section 3: Electromagnetic Theory
- Electrostatics and magnetostatics: Boundary value problems, method of images
- Dielectrics, conductors, magnetic materials
- Maxwell’s equations and electromagnetic waves
- Reflection and transmission of EM waves
- Poynting vector and electromagnetic radiation from moving charges
📌 Section 4: Quantum Mechanics
- Postulates of quantum mechanics, uncertainty principle
- Schrodinger equation and wave functions
- Dirac notation, Hilbert space concepts
- One and multi-dimensional potentials: Harmonic oscillator, tunneling, hydrogen atom
- Angular momentum and spin, addition of angular momenta
- WKB approximation, variational method
- Elementary scattering theory and symmetry principles
📌 Section 5: Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
- First and second laws of thermodynamics
- Microstates and macrostates, phase space
- Partition function and thermodynamic quantities
- Quantum statistics: Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein
- Blackbody radiation, Planck's law, Bose-Einstein condensation
- Phase transitions and critical phenomena
📌 Section 6: Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Atomic spectra, spin-orbit coupling, LS and jj coupling
- Zeeman and Stark effects
- Rotational, vibrational, and electronic spectra
- Franck-Condon principle, Raman Effect
- EPR, NMR, ESR, and X-ray spectroscopy
- Lasers: Einstein coefficients, population inversion, laser systems
📌 Section 7: Solid State Physics
- Crystallography and diffraction techniques
- Lattice vibrations and thermal properties
- Band theory: Metals, semiconductors, insulators
- Electrical, optical, and dielectric properties
- Magnetism: Ferro, antiferro, ferri-magnetism
- Superconductivity: Meissner effect, BCS theory
📌 Section 8: Electronics
- Semiconductors: Intrinsic, extrinsic, junctions
- Diodes, BJTs, FETs, feedback and oscillator circuits
- Operational amplifiers and filters
- Digital circuits: Flip-flops, counters, timers
- Analog to digital (A/D) and digital to analog (D/A) conversions
📌 Section 9: Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Nuclear structure, radii, moments, binding energy
- Nuclear models: Liquid drop and shell models
- Decay processes: Alpha, beta, gamma transitions
- Nuclear reactions, scattering, fission and fusion
- Particle physics: Quark model, leptons, mesons, baryons
- Conservation laws: Isospin, parity, CPT symmetry
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🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best way to study the Physics syllabus?
Focus on understanding the basic concepts first. Use NCERT, university textbooks, and solve previous year questions. Combine theory with practice to master the subject.
2. Is this Physics syllabus useful for GATE or IIT JAM exams?
Yes, this syllabus is aligned with the topics asked in GATE Physics, IIT JAM, and other competitive exams like CSIR-NET and UPSC optional subjects.
3. How much time is needed to complete this Physics syllabus?
If studied consistently, the entire syllabus can be covered in 6–8 months with daily 3–4 hours of focused study and regular revision.
4. What are some important books for this Physics syllabus?
Books by Griffiths (EM and QM), H.C. Verma, Resnick & Halliday, Goldstein (Mechanics), and Kittel (Solid State) are recommended.
5. Can I download this Physics syllabus in PDF format?
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